Donald Thomas Mullenax 1940-2025

Don was born Aug. 2, 1940, and lived his entire life in the Trumbull County area.

He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1958. After graduation, Don worked at Republic Steel for 12 years before moving to General Motors Lordstown as a journeyman electrician, where he became known by the nickname “Smirk.” He served on the union’s consumer affairs committee and, for a time, worked on “The People Truck” with other skilled tradesmen, helping to resolve mechanical issues for workers in various areas of the plant.

He retired in 2007 after 36 years with GM.

He married Karen R. Williams Mullenax on Sept. 19, 1991.

Don enjoyed working on cars, lawnmowers, tractors or anything mechanical. He had tools for almost any project, usually more than one. He and Karen enjoyed traveling to Florida, Las Vegas and other destinations within the United States.

Don’s family includes his son, Darin Thomas Mullenax, and his wife, Sheri; granddaughter, Brittanie (Rob) Warner, with great-grandchildren, Aubree, Addison, Conner and Brayden; grandson, Christian Thomas Mullenax; his cats, Aloe and Appa; granddaughter, Alex (Peyton) Mullenax-Bell, and their cat, Bernie; and granddogs, Luna, Lily and Frank Mullenax.

Family also includes Don’s daughter, Kim (Paul) Martin, who gave him granddaughters, Sara (Cole) Kurtz and Andrea Martin; and three great-grandchildren, Vincent, Henry and Dominic.

Additional family includes his niece, Jenna Frederick; nephew, Dr. Jordan Frederick; niece, Hannah (Brady) Bissonette and Bowen; and niece, Hailey (Daniel) Hoberney and Xavier, Raelynn, Lulynn and Vincenzo.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Marguerite Mullenax; his brothers, Boyd and Dale Mullenax; and his beloved dog, Howie.

Material contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Niles, or to The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, Warren.

A memorial service will be 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Niles. Friends may call at 6 p.m.

(special notice)